HC Deb 25 July 1979 vol 971 c844

Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Question [24 July], That the Standing Order (Select Committees related to Government Departments) be amended, in the Table, column 4 (Maximum numbers of Members), in respect of the Defence Committee, the Energy Committee, the Environment Committee, and the Transport Committee, by leaving out "10" and inserting "11", instead thereof.—[Mr. Wakeham.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)

Mr. Speaker has selected the amendment in the name of the hon. Member for Hackney, South and Shore-ditch (Mr. Brown). Will the hon. Gentleman move it formally?

3.8 a.m.

Mr. Ronald W. Brown (Hackney, South and Shoreditch)

I should like to move the amendment because I think that it is important that—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The amendment is not debatable. Will the hon. Gentleman please move it formally?

Mr. Brown

I beg to move, as an amendment to the proposed motion, after "11", insert and in respect of the Agriculture Committee, the Education, Science and Arts Committee, the Employment Committee, and the Social Services Committee, by leaving out '9' and inserting 11'.".

It being after Ten o'clock on Wednesday evening and objection being taken to further proceeding, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed this day.

Mr. Brown

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Is it possible to have it recorded that it was the Government who defeated the amendment, and that they have thereby refused to set up the Committees?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

It is not possible to have that recorded. The objection is recorded in the Journal as an objection.